Rahat Fateh Ali Khan pays tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has paid tribute to his legendary uncle and mentor, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, on his death anniversary, remembering one of the most influential voices in the history of Qawwali. Although Nusrat passed away nearly three decades ago, his music continues to live on and remains deeply cherished by fans around the world.
To mark the occasion, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan visited the mazar of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan along with his son, Shahzaman Ali Khan. The father-and-son duo performed a Qawwali kalam at the legendary singer’s grave in the presence of a large crowd.
Videos from the gathering quickly circulated on social media, showing Rahat performing at the grave site while spectators surrounded the area. During the performance, currency notes were also seen being thrown into the air, a traditional gesture sometimes associated with musical performances and expressions of appreciation.
However, the scenes sparked a strong reaction online. Several fans and social media users questioned whether such a performance was appropriate at the grave of a legendary artist. While some viewed the gathering as an emotional tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, others felt that the atmosphere and manner of celebration lacked the respect they believed should be shown at a grave.
As the videos spread across social media platforms, users expressed their disappointment in the comments. One person criticized the scene, writing, “There is no respect for grave.” Another user questioned Rahat’s condition and commented, “Looks like he is drunk again.” A third reaction was more emotional, saying, “Astaghfirullah what the hell.”
The controversy has once again highlighted the intense public interest surrounding Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his musical legacy. Known internationally for taking Qawwali to audiences far beyond South Asia, Nusrat remains an iconic figure whose songs and spiritual performances continue to influence generations of musicians.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who learned the art of Qawwali within the same musical tradition, has frequently spoken through his work about the influence Nusrat had on his career. His tribute on the death anniversary was intended to honour that enduring legacy, although the viral videos have prompted debate over how the occasion was marked.
Despite the criticism, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s influence remains firmly established, with fans continuing to remember his extraordinary contribution to Qawwali decades after his passing.
